-
Journal of the International Society of... Dec 2023Citrulline is a popular dietary supplement, primarily thought to exert ergogenic effects on exercise performance through the enhancement of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Citrulline is a popular dietary supplement, primarily thought to exert ergogenic effects on exercise performance through the enhancement of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and ammonia buffering. However, recent findings surrounding citrulline's effect on endurance performance have been inconsistent. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relevant literature have yet to be undertaken.
AIM
To determine if acute ingestion of citrulline has an ergogenic effect on endurance performance in young healthy adults.
METHODS
A systematic search of three databases was undertaken to find peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English investigating the effects of citrulline supplementation on endurance performance in young healthy adults. Two independent investigators completed a three-phased screening procedure against pre-determined eligibility criteria. Included studies evaluated loading or bolus dosage regimes of citrulline in participants aged 18 or over that were at least recreationally active. Outcome measures focused on time-to-completion (TTC) or time-to-exhaustion (TTE) in continuous submaximal intensity exercise. Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool was used to assess the risk of bias in individual studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed-effects model to pool the weighted estimate of standardized mean differences (SMD) across studies. A chi-squared test assessed heterogeneity between studies. This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Nine studies ( = 158 participants) met the eligibility criteria; five reported TTE outcomes (I = 0%, χ = 0.37, df = 4, = 0.99) and four reported TTC outcomes (I = 0%, χ = 0.46, df = 3, = 0.93), both with a low between-study heterogeneity. The results of the meta-analyses showed no significant difference in the endurance performance measures, TTE (pooled SMD = 0.03 [-0.27, 0.33]) and TTC (pooled SMD = -0.07 [-0.50, 0.15]), after acute ingestion of citrulline supplementation or a control in young healthy adults.
DISCUSSION
The current evidence suggests no significant benefit of citrulline supplementation for endurance performance. However, the small evidence base requires further research to fully evaluate this topic. Recommendations include a focus on female populations; higher continuous doses of citrulline over seven days; and TTC outcome measures over longer distances to simulate competition.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Citrulline; Exercise; Dietary Supplements; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 37155582
DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2023.2209056 -
Cureus Jan 2024There are no guidelines for the most effective medication to reduce hepatic encephalopathy (HE) or the associated mortality. The purpose of this study is to determine... (Review)
Review
There are no guidelines for the most effective medication to reduce hepatic encephalopathy (HE) or the associated mortality. The purpose of this study is to determine the most effective possible treatment among the single treatment options or the combined treatment options for decreasing the morbidity and mortality of HE. We evaluated the outcomes by various parameters such as the quality of life, reduction in ammonia, all causes of mortality, adverse events, reversal of minimal HE, and development of overt HE. We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus till the 19th of January 2023 for studies that assess various treatment options for HE. Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled in a frequentist network meta-analysis as standardized mean difference (SMD) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) using the MetaInsight web-based tool. The Cochrane Tool was used to assess the randomized controlled trials' quality (RCT), while the NIH tool was used to assess the quality of the included cohort studies. Utilizing the R software, the network meta-analysis was conducted. In addition to a significant variation in cases of (Lactulose and Rifaximin) compared with Rifaximin (RR= 0.39, 95% CI [0.17; 0.89]), the results demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of overt HE in (Lactulose and Rifaximin) compared with placebo (RR=0.19, 95% CI [0.09; 0.40]). Most arms demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of overt HE compared to albumin and placebo. The results also demonstrated a significant reduction in ammonia between L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) and probiotics (MD= -19.17, 95% CI [-38.01; -0.32]), as well as a significant difference in the incidence of LOLA compared to placebo (MD= -22.62, 95% CI [-39.16; -6.07]). This network meta-analysis has significant data for managing subclinical HE in people without a history of overt HE. Our analysis showed that (Lactulose and Rifaximin), followed by (Rifaximin and L-carnitine), followed by (Lactulose and Rifaximin with zinc) were the best combinations regarding overt HE. LOLA reduced ammonia best, followed by Nitazoxanide and finally Lactulose. (Lactulose and Nitazoxanide) have the least adverse effects, followed by (Rifaximin and L-carnitine), then Probiotics. Yet, all mortality outcomes and quality of life changes yielded no useful findings. Future studies like RCTs must be done to compare our therapies directly.
PubMed: 38435950
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53341 -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... 2023Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in calves across diverse management systems. Despite expert opinion often citing...
A systematic review of the relationship between housing environmental factors and bovine respiratory disease in preweaned calves - Part 1: Ammonia, air microbial count, particulate matter and endotoxins.
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in calves across diverse management systems. Despite expert opinion often citing the influence of housing environment on the level of respiratory disease in calf groups, there have been few reviews of environmental factors that predispose to BRD. This systematic review was undertaken to identify the measurable environmental variables associated with respiratory disease in housed preweaned calves. To achieve this Pubmed, CAB Direct and Scopus databases were searched. To be considered for inclusion, publications had to be fully published in English, published before 24 November, 2022 and include at least one measurable/ manipulated environmental variable and a standardized method of BRD detection. Twelve publications were included in this review. These examined a wide range of risk factors including air microbial count (four publications), air particulate matter (one publication); air endotoxins (one publication) and air ammonia (four publications). From the included publications, a statistically significant relationship to BRD was identified in 2/4 examining air microbial count, 1/1 examining air particulate matter, 1/1 examining air endotoxins and 2/4 examining air ammonia. This review indicated a paucity of evidence from the peer-review literature demonstrating a significant association between the many investigated exposure factors and BRD occurrence. An optimal environment for housed calves could not be clearly identified in this review.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Ammonia; Housing; Cattle Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Risk Factors; Respiration Disorders; Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex
PubMed: 37778652
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106031 -
Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Mar 2024Engineered probiotics (EPs) can be used to treat/manage chronic and congenital diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic review has evaluated the... (Review)
Review
Engineered probiotics (EPs) can be used to treat/manage chronic and congenital diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic review has evaluated the effects of EPs on congenital metabolic disorders in murine models and human subjects. Thus, the present study systematically reviewed interventional studies that assessed the effects of EPs on congenital metabolic disorders. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched up to February 2023 to retrieve related publications. Seventy-six articles were obtained in the primary step. After screening the titles/abstracts based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 papers were included. Finally, only seven articles were included after performing full-text evaluation. The included articles evaluated the effects of EPs on managing phenylketonuria (PKU, n=4) and hyperammonemia (n=3). Moreover, these studies examined mice and/or rats (n=6), monkeys (n=1), and humans (n=2). Studies on EPs and hyperammonemia revealed that some wild strains such as have an innate ammonia-hyper-consuming potential; thus, there was no need to manipulate them. However, manipulation is needed to obtain a phenylalanine-metabolizing strain. In conclusion, EPs can be used to manage or treat congenital metabolic diseases including PKU.
PubMed: 38576877
DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2024.29.1.1 -
Journal of Environmental Management Mar 2024Global sustainable development faces several challenges in addressing the needs of a growing population. Regarding food industries, the heightening pressure to meet... (Review)
Review
Global sustainable development faces several challenges in addressing the needs of a growing population. Regarding food industries, the heightening pressure to meet these needs has resulted in increased waste generation. Thus, recognising these wastes as valuable resources is crucial to integrating sustainable models into current production systems. For instance, the current 24 billion tons of nutrient-rich livestock wastewater (LW) generated yearly could be recovered and valorised via biological uptake through microalgal biomass. Microalgae-based livestock wastewater treatment (MbLWT) has emerged as an effective technology for nutrient recovery, specifically targeting carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. However, the viability and efficacy of these systems rely on the characteristics of LW, including organic matter and ammonium concentration, content of suspended solids, and microbial load. Thus, this systematic literature review aims to provide guidance towards implementing an integral MbLWT system for nutrient control and recovery, discussing several pre-treatments used in literature to overcome the challenges regarding LW as a suitable media for microalgae cultivation.
Topics: Animals; Microalgae; Livestock; Wastewater; Nutrients; Technology; Biomass; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Water Purification
PubMed: 38387343
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120258 -
Water Research Aug 2024Legionella is an opportunistic waterborne pathogen that causes Legionnaires' disease. It poses a significant public health risk, especially to vulnerable populations in...
Legionella is an opportunistic waterborne pathogen that causes Legionnaires' disease. It poses a significant public health risk, especially to vulnerable populations in health care facilities. It is ubiquitous in manufactured water systems and is transmitted via inhalation or aspiration of aerosols/water droplets generated from water fixtures (e.g., showers and hand basins). As such, the effective management of premise plumbing systems (building water systems) in health care facilities is essential for reducing the risk of Legionnaires' disease. Chemical disinfection is a commonly used control method and chlorine-based disinfectants, including chlorine, chloramine, and chlorine dioxide, have been used for over a century. However, the effectiveness of these disinfectants in premise plumbing systems is affected by various interconnected factors that can make it challenging to maintain effective disinfection. This systematic literature review identifies all studies that have examined the factors impacting the efficacy and decay of chlorine-based disinfectant within premise plumbing systems. A total of 117 field and laboratory-based studies were identified and included in this review. A total of 20 studies directly compared the effectiveness of the different chlorine-based disinfectants. The findings from these studies ranked the typical effectiveness as follows: chloramine > chlorine dioxide > chlorine. A total of 26 factors were identified across 117 studies as influencing the efficacy and decay of disinfectants in premise plumbing systems. These factors were sorted into categories of operational factors that are changed by the operation of water devices and fixtures (such as stagnation, temperature, water velocity), evolving factors which are changed in-directly (such as disinfectant concentration, Legionella disinfectant resistance, Legionella growth, season, biofilm and microbe, protozoa, nitrification, total organic carbon(TOC), pH, dissolved oxygen(DO), hardness, ammonia, and sediment and pipe deposit) and stable factors that are not often changed(such as disinfectant type, pipe material, pipe size, pipe age, water recirculating, softener, corrosion inhibitor, automatic sensor tap, building floor, and construction activity). A factor-effect map of each of these factors and whether they have a positive or negative association with disinfection efficacy against Legionella in premise plumbing systems is presented. It was also found that evaluating the effectiveness of chlorine disinfection as a water risk management strategy is further complicated by varying disinfection resistance of Legionella species and the form of Legionella (culturable/viable but non culturable, free living/biofilm associated, intracellular replication within amoeba hosts). Future research is needed that utilises sensors and other approaches to measure these key factors (such as pH, temperature, stagnation, water age and disinfection residual) in real time throughout premise plumbing systems. This information will support the development of improved models to predict disinfection within premise plumbing systems. The findings from this study will inform the use of chlorine-based disinfection within premise plumbing systems to reduce the risk of Legionnaires disease.
Topics: Disinfectants; Chlorine; Legionella; Disinfection; Chlorine Compounds; Water Microbiology; Chloramines; Water Supply; Oxides; Water Purification
PubMed: 38824796
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121794 -
Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny 2024Because not all liver dysfunction patients are suitable for transplantations and there is a shortage of grafts, liver support therapies have gained interest. In this... (Review)
Review
Safety and efficacy of Single-Pass Albumin Dialysis (SPAD), Prometheus, and Molecular Adsorbent Recycling System (MARS) liver haemodialysis vs. Standard Medical Therapy (SMT): meta-analysis and systematic review.
INTRODUCTION
Because not all liver dysfunction patients are suitable for transplantations and there is a shortage of grafts, liver support therapies have gained interest. In this regard, extracorporeal albumin dialysis devices such as single-pass albumin dialysis (SPAD), Prometheus, and molecular adsorbent recycling system (MARS) have been valuable in supplementing standard medical therapy (SMT). However, the efficacy and safety of these devices is often questioned.Aim: We performed a systematic review to summarize the efficacy and safety of MARS, SPAD, and Prometheus as supportive treatments for liver dysfunction.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases were extensively searched for all randomized trials published in English. In addition, meta-analytic analyses were performed with Review Manager software, and Cochrane's risk of bias tool embedded in this software was used for bias assessment.
RESULTS
Twelve trials including a total of 653 patients were eligible for inclusion. Subgroup analyses of data from these trials revealed that MARS and Prometheus were associated with significant removal of bilirubin (MD = -5.14 mg/dl; 95% CI: -7.26 - -3.02; < 0.00001 and MD = -8.11 mg/dl; 95% CI: -12.40 - -3.82; = 0.0002, respectively) but not bile acids and ammonia when compared to SMT. Furthermore, MARS was as effective as Prometheus and SPAD in the reduction of bilirubin (MD = 2.98 mg/dl; 95% CI: -4.26 - 10.22; = 0.42 and MD = 0.67 mg/dl; 95% CI: -2.22 - 3.56; = 0.65), bile acids (MD = -17.06 µmol/l; 95% CI: -64.33 - 30.20; = 0.48 and MD = 16.21 µmol/l; 95% CI: -17.26 - 49.68; = 0.34), and ammonia (MD = 26 µmol/l; 95% CI: -12.44 - 64.44; = 0.18). In addition, MARS had a considerable effect in improving hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (RR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.15-2.05; = 0.004). However, neither MARS nor Prometheus had a mortality benefit compared to SMTRR (0.86; 95% CI: 0.71-1.03; = 0.11 and RR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.66-1.14; = 0.31, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
MARS, SPAD, and Prometheus, as liver support therapies, are equally effective in reducing albumin-bound and water-soluble substances. Moreover, MARS is associated with HE improvement. However, none of the therapies was associated with a significant reduction in mortality or adverse events.
PubMed: 38939063
DOI: 10.5114/pg.2024.139297 -
PloS One 2024Food waste is a routine and increasingly growing global concern that has drawn significant attention from policymakers, climate change activists and health...
Food waste is a routine and increasingly growing global concern that has drawn significant attention from policymakers, climate change activists and health practitioners. Amid the plurality of discourses on food waste-health linkages, however, the health risks from food waste induced emissions have remained under explored. This lack of evidence is partly because of the lack of complete understanding of the effects of food waste emissions from household food waste on human health either directly through physiological mechanisms or indirectly through environmental exposure effects. Thus, this systematic review contributes to the literature by synthesizing available evidence to highlight gaps and offers a comprehensive baseline inventory of food waste emissions and their associated impacts on human health to support public health decision-making. Four database searches: Web of Science, OVID(Medline), EMBASE, and Scopus, were searched from inception to 3 May 2023. Pairs of reviewers screened 2189 potentially eligible studies that addressed food waste emissions from consumers and how the emissions related to human health. Following PRISMA guidelines, 26 articles were eligible for data extraction for the systematic review. Findings indicate that emissions from food waste, such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, and volatile organic carbons, can affect human endocrine, respiratory, nervous, and olfactory systems. The severity of the human health effects depends on the gaseous concentration, but range from mild lung irritation to cancer and death. This study recommends emission capture technologies, food diversion programs, and biogas technologies to reduce food waste emissions.
Topics: Humans; Gases; Refuse Disposal; Food Loss and Waste; Food; Hydrogen Sulfide
PubMed: 38536829
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300801 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Liver failure represents a critical medical condition with a traditionally grim prognosis, where treatment options have been notably limited. Historically, liver...
Liver failure represents a critical medical condition with a traditionally grim prognosis, where treatment options have been notably limited. Historically, liver transplantation has stood as the sole definitive cure, yet the stark disparity between the limited availability of liver donations and the high demand for such organs has significantly hampered its feasibility. This discrepancy has necessitated the exploration of hepatocyte transplantation as a temporary, supportive intervention. In light of this, our review delves into the burgeoning field of hepatocyte transplantation, with a focus on the latest advancements in maintaining hepatocyte function, co-microencapsulation techniques, xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation, and the selection of materials for microencapsulation. Our examination of hepatocyte microencapsulation research highlights that, to date, most studies have been conducted or using liver failure mouse models, with a notable paucity of experiments on larger mammals. The functionality of microencapsulated hepatocytes is primarily inferred through indirect measures such as urea and albumin production and the rate of ammonia clearance. Furthermore, research on the mechanisms underlying hepatocyte co-microencapsulation remains limited, and the practicality of xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation requires further validation. The potential of hepatocyte microencapsulation extends beyond the current scope of application, suggesting a promising horizon for liver failure treatment modalities. Innovations in encapsulation materials and techniques aim to enhance cell viability and function, indicating a need for comprehensive studies that bridge the gap between small-scale laboratory success and clinical applicability. Moreover, the integration of bioengineering and regenerative medicine offers novel pathways to refine hepatocyte transplantation, potentially overcoming the challenges of immune rejection and ensuring the long-term functionality of transplanted cells. In conclusion, while hepatocyte microencapsulation and transplantation herald a new era in liver failure therapy, significant strides must be made to translate these experimental approaches into viable clinical solutions. Future research should aim to expand the experimental models to include larger mammals, thereby providing a clearer understanding of the clinical potential of these therapies. Additionally, a deeper exploration into the mechanisms of cell survival and function within microcapsules, alongside the development of innovative encapsulation materials, will be critical in advancing the field and offering new hope to patients with liver failure.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Cell Encapsulation; Cell Survival; Hepatocytes; Liver Failure; Transplantation, Heterologous
PubMed: 38694507
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385022 -
Arab Journal of Gastroenterology : the... May 2024Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is an early stage of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and is highly prevalent. The efficacy of L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) for the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is an early stage of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and is highly prevalent. The efficacy of L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) for the treatment of HE is well known but its role in MHE remains uncertain. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the efficacy of LOLA for the treatment of MHE in patients with cirrhosis.
METHODS
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Ovid databases were searched. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of LOLA with placebo or no intervention for the treatment of MHE in patients with cirrhosis were included from inception to January 2023. The primary outcomes were reversal of MHE and development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE).
RESULTS
Overall, six RCTs comprising 292 patients were included. Compared with placebo or no intervention, LOLA was more effective in reversing MHE (RR = 2.264, 95 % CI = 1.528, 3.352, P = 0.000, I = 0.0 %) and preventing progression of OHE (RR = 0.220, 95 % CI = 0.076, 0.637, P = 0.005, I = 0.0 %). Based on subgroup analyses, oral LOLA treatment appeared more likely to reverse MHE (RR = 2.648, 95 % CI = 1.593, 4.402, P = 0.000, I = 0.0 %), intravenous LOLA treatment yielded a similar probability of reversing MHE (RR = 1.669, 95 % CI = 0.904, 3.084, P = 0.102, I = 0.0 %). LOLA did not show a superior possibility in reducing mortality (RR = 0.422, 95 % CI = 0.064, 2.768, P = 0.368, I = 0.0 %) and ammonia levels (SMD = 0.044, 95 % CI = -0.290, 0.379, P = 0.795, I = 0.0 %) compared with placebo or no intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
LOLA has significant beneficial effects on reversal of MHE and prevention of OHE in patients with cirrhosis compared with placebo or no intervention.
Topics: Humans; Dipeptides; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Liver Cirrhosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38403493
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2024.01.006